"Complete Streets in a Box Toolkit": Connecticut

Building upon a toolkit developed by the Southern Westchester Energy Action Consortium, Tri-State Transportation Campaign in collaboration with the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities, has created a "Complete Streets in a Box" toolkit to support the adoption and implementation of complete streets policies by Connecticut municipalities. In 2010, Connecticut's Complete Streets Law went into effect and now all transportation projects that receive state funding must consider using complete streets design features. It is important that local communities follow suit, and consider adopting local policies that encourage the development of a connected complete streets network in our region.

Why do complete streets matter? Complete streets are safe, comfortable, and convenient for travel for everyone, regardless of age or ability—motorists, pedestrians, bicyclists, and public transportation riders. With simple changes to the way we design and build our roads, we can ensure that everyone is safer, no matter where they're going or how they're getting there.

Toolkit Resources

• A letter introducing the “Complete Streets in a Box” Toolkit; 
• A PowerPoint presentation that explains complete streets;
• A complete streets policy template, created with Connecticut in mind (click here to download as a .docx);
• Two policies already passed in Connecticut: the New Haven Complete Streets Legislation, and the Connecticut act to improve bicycle and pedestrian access;
• A list of state and local complete streets initiatives from Connecticut;
• Links to one-pagers that explain how complete streets can improve our region, including through positive impacts on older adults, transportation costs, green streets, health and economic revitalization;
• Links to videos - one that's very introductory and another a bit more detailed, introducing complete streets;
• A primer on liability and complete streets in Connecticut.

Additional Resources

• The New Haven Complete Streets Design Manual is a guide to everything from complete streets implementation to evaluation methods. Chapter 7, How to Create Complete Streets, profiles different infrastructure investments that can make Connecticut’s streets safer.
• The NACTO Urban Bikeway Design Guide outlines state-of-the-art roadway design that accommodates all users of the road using both US and international examples. Although it has the name "urban" in its title, it was created for municipalities with densities and traffic volumes similar to many villages and towns in Connecticut. It emphasizes the need to treat bicycles not solely for recreation, but as transportation.
• The Institute of Traffic Engineers (ITE) Traffic Calming guidelines and technical information for Transportation Safety Transportation Planning, Active Living, Pedestrian Mobility and Safety, and more.